Tooro's former Queen Mother Best Kemigisa has revealed that the succession dispute following the death of her son, King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, led to the decision to keep his child in Texas. The child, who is the late king's heir, was initially expected to return to Uganda with the family from the United States. However, as the succession dispute intensified, the family became concerned about bringing the child into a tense and polarised situation.
King Oyo died in the United States on August 27 at the age of 34 while receiving treatment. His death triggered a dispute over his successor, with a 21-member committee of the Babiito clan selecting Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma as the new king. Preparations are underway for Kijanangoma's coronation on September 29. The succession dispute was further heightened when Tooro Kingdom Prime Minister Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki announced that the late king had left behind a son who was his heir.
The claim of Oyo's child being his heir was disputed by Musuuga Charles Kamurasi, head of the Babiito royal clan, who said the clan had not been aware of the child. President Yoweri Museveni later confirmed that Kemigisa had informed him by telephone that Oyo had left a young heir who would be introduced at the appropriate time. Kemigisa said her priority after Oyo's death had been to bury him peacefully and with dignity before questions concerning his successor were addressed.
Kemigisa explained that her wish was not realised because a committee to select a new king was formed only hours after Oyo's death, while his body was still being transported from the United States to Uganda. The Queen Mother said the situation became so tense and polarised that it was not in the child's best interest to be brought into such an environment. She called for an end to divisions in Tooro, urging the kingdom's people to "build rather than divide and serve rather than fight."
Kemigisa and Princess Ruth Komuntale will continue working to preserve Oyo's legacy through projects under the proposed King Oyo Memorial Foundation. The planned projects include the King Oyo Tooro Museum, which would preserve his personal belongings and items associated with his reign; the King Oyo International Stadium; a research and teaching hospital with cancer and HIV research facilities; and the expansion of Oyo's farm at Bugaaki in Kyenjojo District into an agricultural education and community outreach centre.
The projects aim to transform Oyo's legacy into practical service to the people rather than simply create monuments in his name. Kemigisa thanked Ugandans, religious leaders, health workers, friends and other mourners who supported the royal family during Oyo's illness, death and burial. She expressed her gratitude for the support received during this difficult time.
The decision to keep Oyo's child in Texas has sparked a renewed debate about the future of the Tooro kingdom and the legitimacy of its leadership. As the coronation of Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma approaches, the kingdom remains divided over the issue of succession. Key projects aimed at preserving Oyo's legacy are set to be implemented.
Key points
- The succession dispute following King Oyo's death led to the decision to keep his child in Texas.
- A 21-member committee of the Babiito clan selected Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma as the new king.
- Queen Mother Best Kemigisa has called for unity in Tooro and plans to preserve King Oyo's legacy through various projects.
